6.15 Windsor – Weatherbys Digital Solutions August Stakes (Listed, 1m3½f, Good, £55k)

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Pace & Draw:
Smallish field, likely tactical. Thunder Run has made the running before but often presses rather than dominates. Arabian Crown has led in the past and from stall 1 could dictate if desired. Secret Of Love tends to be ridden more patiently. No obvious strong pace on – could be muddling, suiting those with tactical speed close to the lead. Draw low is no disadvantage at Windsor over this trip.


Strongest Contenders

Arabian Crown – 4yo, Appleby (Score: 8.5/10)
Proven at Group 3 level, high-class juvenile, gelded this year. A touch disappointing in recent Group runs but excuses noted (tacky ground at Goodwood, didn’t settle at Meydan). Best RPR 120 sets the standard. Now dropped into a Listed – this is weaker than his last three starts. If allowed an uncontested lead, he’s the one to beat.

Caviar Heights – 4yo, Haggas (Score: 7.5/10)
Listed winner at Newmarket, returned from a break with a narrow defeat at Sandown last month. Has run creditably in deeper company (Feilden, Hampton Court). Reliable Listed-level performer but not obviously better than that. Ground and trip fine. Needs a strong pace to be seen at best.

Nightwalker – 3yo, Gosden (Score: 7/10)
Lightly raced Frankel gelding, Group 2-placed at York earlier this season (RPR 111). Didn’t stay the Derby trip, better when dropped back slightly. Receives 8lb weight-for-age – big plus. Still unexposed, and this is a much easier task than recent assignments. Potential improver.


Main Dangers / Interesting Outsiders

Thunder Run – 4yo, Burke (Score: 6.5/10)
Progressed rapidly in handicaps (peak RPR 118 at York). This is his first step into Listed company. Stamina questions at 1m3½f – pedigree suggests 10f optimum. If settling better, could feature, but may lack the tactical gears against classier rivals.

Secret Of Love – 3yo filly, Balding (Score: 6/10)
Progressive, second in Cheshire Oaks, solid 4th in a Listed at Hamilton last time. Weight allowance helps, but she’s looked a touch short of pattern-class quality. Stays well, might pick up pieces late if pace collapses. Place squeak more than win chance.


Runner Scores

  • Arabian Crown – 8.5/10 (Clear form class, drop in grade, proven at level, tactically suited)
  • Caviar Heights – 7.5/10 (Consistent Listed horse, could grind into frame)
  • Nightwalker – 7/10 (3yo allowance makes him interesting, still with upside)
  • Thunder Run – 6.5/10 (Handicapper on the up, but this is deeper and trip a query)
  • Secret Of Love – 6/10 (Game filly, may lack class but place not out of reach)

Private Tissue Odds

  • Arabian Crown 7/4
  • Caviar Heights 5/2
  • Nightwalker 4/1
  • Thunder Run 6/1
  • Secret Of Love 10/1

Summary & Smart Play

This revolves around Arabian Crown: he’s been campaigned in Group races, now eased in class, and his Sandown G3 win last year is stronger than anything else on show. If he settles and enjoys a handy sit from stall 1, he should take this.

Caviar Heights is the solid Listed-level danger, while Nightwalker is the improver with WFA and could upset the older horses if taking a step forward.

Thunder Run has talent but stamina doubts at this trip, and Secret Of Love appeals more as a filly for minor money.

Smart Play:

  • Win bet – Arabian Crown (class drop, tactical advantage)
  • Saver – Nightwalker each-way (3yo allowance, potential improver in calmer waters)

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